Hlengiwe Mbalenhle Ngubane could not contain her sheer excitement upon being announced as a winner in the prestigious Gagasi FM Shero Awards 2025 which recently took place at the Premier Hotel in Umhlanga, Durban.
The awards celebrated extraordinary women who push boundaries and excel in their different professions. Ms Ngubane was given her recognition in the Creative Arts category of the Gagasi FM Shero Awards 2025, where her work demonstrated tangible reach to a broad audience or market primarily within the KwaZulu-Natal province borders but also nationally and internationally.
Ngubane is a PhD candidate in Architecture at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) and founder of Project X, a digital construction management platform. She is also a finalist in the esteemed 2025 Alliance Urban Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition, taking place from 30 October 2025 to 31 October 2025.
Sharing on her win at the Gagasi FM Shero Awards 2025, Ngubane expressed that she was nominated by her supervisor and colleagues in her field, who recognised the contribution of her research at honours and master’s level which she continues to do at PhD level.
“My academic journey has focused on preserving the cultural and architectural heritage of KwaZulu-Natal through architecture and technology, using a creative practice as a way of storytelling, identity-building, and safeguarding indigenous knowledge systems. This combination of research and practice aligned closely with the vision of the Creative Arts category, which seeks to honour women who are reshaping narratives through creative impact,” she said.
Given such recognition at the Gagasi FM Shero Awards 2025, deeply empowered the sterling lass.
“I felt honoured and humbled, and to be recognised on such a platform alongside inspiring women, including the legendary uMam Deli Malinga who was the 2025 Shero honouree, was truly unforgettable. It affirmed that the work I am doing is meaningful, not only in academia but also in shaping cultural identity and empowering future generations,” she shared.
Ngubane shared that it was vital to be part of such awards which creates visibility for young researchers, students, and emerging professionals. “They validate the hard work that often happens behind the scenes and provide a platform to share ideas, connect with networks, and inspire others. For students, it also builds confidence and demonstrates that our contributions are valuable in shaping conversations about culture, innovation, and transformation,” she highlighted.
Ngubane indicated that her career objective is to continue bridging the gap between architecture, indigenous knowledge, and technology. She aims to contribute to the decolonisation of African architecture by using research, design, and digital tools to analyse historical construction methods for sustainable building practices. “At the same time, I want to fully develop Project X into a product that will be used within the construction, engineering, and built environment sectors, and to grow it into a successful business as an entrepreneur. Mentoring and empowering young women in the built environment will remain a key part of this journey,” she emphasised.
She went on to extend her gratitude to DUT, the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, and the innobiz DUT Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation for their support in her academic and entrepreneurial journey. “I also thank Gagasi FM for creating a platform that not only celebrates women but also builds communities of support and collaboration. My hope is that recognitions like these encourage more young women to step into leadership, creativity, and innovation with courage. We are the heartbeat of transformation, and together we can continue to make space for the next generation of women leaders and creators,” she said.
Pictured: Hlengiwe Mbalenhle Ngubane with her award.
Waheeda Peters
